"Engineering Classrooms" version 2.0

Level 3 accreditation.

So, what now?

I understand the love affair with research studies into sciences and mathematics. All industrialized and prosperous nation started with the love affair with science and mathematics. England in the 16th century, United States of America in 18th century, Germany at the turn of the 20th century, Japan after World War II, South Korea in the 1950s and now India and China reaps the love affair that started four decades ago.

I understand that, I agree with that 100% and I definitely advocate it.

But let's not limit the love affair with creation of new knowledge, research. Let's spread the love also to the technology (and by technology I mean the whole system and not limited to laptops-software-LCD projectors) of actual transmission of knowledge and facilitating of learning in the classrooms.

And I think the engineering school in old Intramuros is poised to actually reap the accolade (as in the paternal pat-on-the-back) and economic benefits if it actually sees its real position and is actually aware of what's in play.

First, there's nothing wrong with making tons of money. The Bible speaks against the the love of money not money itself. In fact putting everything into monetary terms makes everything easier. For one, we can see how the whole system behaves. Just follow the money = )

What makes business beautiful is that it has a reality check meter internally built on it, profits. It's like the heartbeat to us humans.

And if we are to embrace Matsushita humanistic profit definition, "Profit is a reward given by society for a job well done", then we are onto something transcendental from the Land of the Builders. A true contribution not only for the Filipinos but to the whole Malay race, Asians.

Filipinos value education greatly. And the school that delivers education the best, will be rewarded by the bulk of what our dear OFWs are sending every year. And if we are to believe the 2007 figures, our new heroes sent an astonishing $20 Billion. More or less = )

And if we ask why our OFWs sent money home, childeren's education would belong to the Top 3 reasons. Thus, the bulk comment = )

So, if we look at the bottom lines of our top earner schools, they have not even scratched 0.2% of that. Talk about room for GROWTH!!!

But what stops a "cardinal" school from really cashing on this and at the same time feel good that they truly have contributed to the development and advancement of the Filipino Mind?

One word - Fear!

And this Fear Monster allows "foxy" business entities mascarading as educational institutions reap what is left in the table. Actually, what's left on the table is the whole cake. (These "foxy" schools do this by size and by reach through a interdependent business relationship.)

As they say, "Eyes that look are common. It is the ones that see that's rare..." And let me add what JFK said, "We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes..."

Oh, boy!

What to do with 99.80% room for growth?

Simple - the classrooms = )

And mind you, simple does not mean 1+1 = 2. But it is actually beautifully simple. And having business stripes is the first fundamental step. The rest you have to really "see" what's in front of us = )

Lord, help us teach like You. Remind us that we have Your Holy Spirit.